What are some good places to see while I am in Germany?

Talk to your teachers and read your daily bulletins about festivals, bazaars, or events going on in the area. Remember that you don’t always have to go on ‘big’ trips. The small day trips are also fun and interesting.

These are some highly recommended trips that previous students have taken (some places are seasonal due to weather):

Day Trips

Luxembourg (Patton’s grave is outside of the city): Luxembourg Munich: Rhine River Cruise Trier: Trier Heidelberg: Heidelberg Idar-Oberstein: Idar-Oberstein Neuschwanstein: Neuschwanstein Rothenberg: Rothenburg Cochem Castle: Cochem Castle

Extended Weekend Trips

Berlin, Germany: Berlin Rome, Italy: Rome Edinburgh, Scotland: Edinburgh Paris, France: Alsace Region, France: Alsace Zurich, Switzerland: Zurich London, England: London

Festivals or Events Frankfurt Christmas Market: Frankfurt Trier Christmas Market: Trier Christmas Market Bad Durkheim: Bad Durkheim Oktoberfest: Oktoberfest Herrstein: Herrstein Berglagenbach
*Christmas markets in Germany start after Thanksgiving.

What do I need to know about safety when traveling?

The most important thing is to never be alone. It is not allowed for you to travel alone, but never go anywhere without another person. It is only safer and smart to be with others. Another thing to watch for when you are larger cities such as Rome or Paris is pick pockets. Make sure that you hold onto your belongings at all times and try not to carry too much cash or items of value with you. One way you can protect your passport, credit cards, and cash is to purchase a travel pack. These can be worn around your neck and under your shirt or around your waist and behind your belt. Also, your e-mail account at school will notify you of places you should not travel. Normally it is because these places are hostile towards American. If you are ever unsure about a place you want to go, check with teachers at school or your Ball State advisor. If you do not feel comfortable traveling to a particular place, do not go.

How do I get from the airport to Neubruecke?

You can either take the train to Neubruecke or arrage a shuttle. The shuttles must be arranged in advance, whereas the train ticket can be purchased the day you arrive in Germany. When you are going back to the States, you can also use the shuttle or train. By this time though, you should know of teachers who would give you a ride to the airport.

To arrange a shuttle, contact the KMC Shuttle service at: kmcshuttle@eur.army.mil

What are some sites I can use to plan my travel?

Here are some popular sites students have used to arrange for shuttles, flights, hotels, etc.

Travelocity www.travelocity.com
Orbitz www.orbitz.com
Ryan Air www.ryanair.com
Expedia www.expedia.com
Wizz Air www.wizzair.com

Rick Steves’ also has some wonderful books and a website to give you pointers on restaurants, hotels, and what to know when traveling to your destination. All of his suggestions thus far have not disappointed anyone I have talked to. He has gotten many previous students through Rome very nicely!

ricksteves.com

What do I need to know about passports?

You need to get it as soon as you know you are going to Germany. In this way, you will have it by the time you need it. Pictures for the passport can be taken at many places such as CVS.

Here is the U.S. Department of State website on passports:

passport information

*You can get applications and forms at this site.

Carry your passport with you whenever you are going from country to country, though it will not be stamped when traveling between European countries. You will also need it to get on base until your military ID is made. Copies of your passport should be made and given to your professor, kept on file with you, and put in your luggage.

Will I get my ticket or does Ball State get my ticket?

It depends on your professor. Some professors like to get them for the group and other professors have you purchase them. If you purchase them yourself you can use your frequent flyer miles, choose your airline, and depart from the city closest to you. It is important to remember that if you do purchase your own airline ticket to and from Germany, you are still expected to travel with at least one other person from the group.